Proof of ID

If you are coming to our Research Room for the first time since ID proof was introduced, on the day of your appointment you will need to bring proof of address and proof of name.

Please check what documents will be accepted below. Your information will be used for appointment management and security purposes only. Further information on this policy can be found in IWM’s Privacy Policy.

Types of accepted ID

The following documents are accepted as proof of address and proof of name when visiting IWM's Research Room:

  • Proof of address

    The following items will be accepted as proof of address. All documents need to be valid, or the paperwork issued in the last twelve months:

    • Utility bill
    • Bank or building society statement
    • Credit card statement
    • Council tax bill
    • HM Revenue & Customs statement
    • Passport (with an address entered by the issuing authority)
    • National ID card with address
    • Driving licence with address
    • Home Office permit to stay
    • University certificate for hall of residence
    • Firearms licence
    • Home insurance policy
    • International student ID photo card with an address
    • Student loans company letter
    • Pension, Benefit Agency or family credit letter statement

  • Proof of name

    The following documents are accepted as proof of name. If proof of address is provided in electronic format (a scan, a printout, or shown from a personal device screen), you will need to provide a proof of name item with an embedded photo:

    • Another valid archive or library reader’s ticket (e.g. local public library, record office reader’s ticket, British Library reader’s ticket, The National Archives reader’s ticket, etc.)
    • Driving licence
    • Bank or credit card
    • Passport
    • National ID card (Photo card)
    • Police/Customs/Home Office warrant card
    • Forces ID card
    • Sea or Air Masters Licence
    • Blue Badge (driver's pass)
    • Freedom Pass photo card (this must have your photo and name embedded into the card)

Please note:

  • We can accept original documents, photographs, online versions or scanned copies of the documents above. Please ensure all text is legible
  • Some driving licences and national identity cards do not show your address. If yours doesn't, we can't accept it as your sole ID
  • If your form of ID contains both proof of name and address, we do not need to see a second proof of ID
  • All documents need to be valid, or the paperwork issued within the last 12 months
  • If necessary, it is your responsibility to provide official translations for foreign documents
  • If you require an assistant for accessibility reasons, they will also need to fill in a registration form on arrival and bring two proofs of ID.